We’ll start this article off with the features and specifications. At the time of writing this review the Samsung XE500T1C-A02CA could be purchased from likes of or for $799 + tax which is a lot of money. As a comparison, the Microsoft Surface Pro utilizing an Intel Core i5 Processor is $100 more but a similar capacity iPad is $100 less and the Galaxy Tab 2 is half the price. Nevertheless, let’s see what you get for the $800 investment.

Features

Specifications

The specifications indicate a fairly powerful machine with the dual core ATOM processor, 2GB RAM and an impressive 11.6″ screen with a resolution of 1366×768. While this isn’t nearly as good as Apple’s Retina display, it is at the top end of the spectrum. The ATIV also comes with a Micro HDMI port, USB port, MicroSD card reader and two web cameras (8MP with flash rear camera and 2MP front). The 2 cell 30Wh battery does seem to be on the weak side, especially when it is docked to a keyboard, but we’ll see how that pans out when I use the machine.

The one discrepancy that I’ve found in the specifications listed above is that the Digitizer Pen is not an accessory in Canada. There may be one in other parts of the world but don’t expect it to be available like in that in Canada, the decision is strictly a business/cost savings idea.

On the features front the main selling point includes the multi-touch capability, high resolution front and rear camera, AllShare Play to wireless access data on any capable device and the use of the Windows 8 operating system to give you a familiar PC environment, the ability to install and run any Windows program as well as any of the downloadable application.

So far the Samsung ATIV XE500T1C doesn’t seem like a terrible device. With the homework done on what we’re about to get, let’s unpack the box and see what is inside.

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